The General Fitness Thread!

[claireadams]

I will be reading through some of this. Had been working hard pre pandemic and was almost where I wanted to be. I’ve been a little lazy since gyms closed though

[pooley]

Loads of running events cancelled last year obviously, already had 2rescheduled events for this year cancelled. It's hard to stay motivated.

[witch]

My fitness has been derailed by what I thought was a shoulder issue but is in fact something wrong in my neck vertebra. After nearly a year of horrid pain, I have got it calm enough to return to exercise.BUT I can no longer lift heavy when doing upper body stuff. I can hold heavier weights doing lower body, but nowhere near where I was, and too much head-down HIIT stuff such as mountain climbers is a no -no as well.

[elsiegee40]

Commiserations @witch.

 

I am finally able to go back to the gym after a lengthy absence due to repeated issues with my back and knees. I am being extremely careful!

[Davit2005]

Running has been hampered by starting work too early for some changes (either that or I am getting lazy, or blame it on the dark/cold). Going out for run only twice a week at the moment. One 5-8 mile and one 10-13 mile. Really felt the half marathon in the leg muscles after last Sunday even though doing that distance and some was a real regular whilst Marathon training last year. Was planning to do marathon in May but no where near ready at the moment. Edited February 18, 2022 by Davit2005

[witch]

Neck/Shoulder issue seems to be OK at present. I have managed quite a bit of HIIT and cardio as well as being able to up my weights a little bit, which is good.

Still being careful though - when the workout calls for 4x20 sec bouts of HIIT doing something with my weight on my arms, I do two sets and then jumping jacks or jump squats for the other two.

I cannot do anything that means I have to balance on one arm - T stabilisations, side planks etc. My arm just gives way immediately

[elfdaughter]

Scared myself a few weeks ago when I got on the scales and was the heaviest I've ever been - absolutely going to be diving back into my VR version of Les Mills Bodycombat tonight, and making it a regular routine. It's great for working up a sweat and trying to burn up those calories!

[Davit2005]

Scared myself a few weeks ago when I got on the scales and was the heaviest I've ever been - absolutely going to be diving back into my VR version of Les Mills Bodycombat tonight, and making it a regular routine. It's great for working up a sweat and trying to burn up those calories!

 

Shadow boxing can be a good workout jus don't stand too close to the TV :-)

[ulosuredge]

8 to 10k steps a day shows extreme health benefits. That equates to walking about 5 miles a day. Probably be better to mix in some running just so it doesn't take so long

[nicholab]

I hate Christmas time for exercise no body wants to leave the house as there is air outside! They just want to see how much more they can stuff in and you want to spend time with them but a walk might be nice.

[simmo88]

Anyone else feel inspired to get moving again following the London Marathon yesterday or is it just me?

[tom_newton]

I was inspired to do 100 press ups per day [not all at once!] during April for cancer research UK. I definitely feel better for it though my elbows and shoulders hurt sometimes.

[3s-gtech]

Anyone else feel inspired to get moving again following the London Marathon yesterday or is it just me?

While it's inspiring, it really is a big commitment and mental battle to run that far - especially when not coming from a prior experience of long distance running!

 

If you're keen, start with a couch to 5k or similar - mainly because there will be different grades to come in to, but also as it's a great way to network and build up a running group. Group support makes it so much easier and more fun.

[Davit2005]

Anyone else feel inspired to get moving again following the London Marathon yesterday or is it just me?

 

Doing a marathon is hard work. I did 2021, my first in 4h 45m, I was 51yo. Up to mile 17 was fine then on it was hard work and had to walk/run.

 

Suggest before taking on exercise you should speak to your doctor of course.

 

There are loads of training plans for marathons and 5k/10k which are well worth a look. The training is not always distance but a mixture of speed work too.

 

If you have not run much for years you can also do the the couch to 5k. Then there are running plans to up that to 10k in the same manner mixing running and walking.

 

Parkrun is also a good call, especially for the social and you can walk many do.

 

Don't forget to stretch :-)

Edited April 24, 2024 by Davit2005

[Brax]

I love running, Nothing beats the endorphin rush and runner's high.

[Kitkatninja]

I started to try to get fitter earlier in the year... So my exercise regime includes (every other day)

 

180 pushups (in sets of 60)

100 hand grip exerciser (in sets of 25)

100 spring chest expander compressions (in sets of 25)

100 sit ups

45 barbell curls (using weights of 22kg)

 

then physio exercises of

 

40 one legged squats (each leg) from sitting on chair

40 leg extensions (each leg) with resistance bands

40 one legged standing calf raises

 

That is combined with karate training twice weekly. And I still feel unfit as ever

[Davit2005]

I love running, Nothing beats the endorphin rush and runner's high.

 

Same here, 2019 I did a 20mile run in 3hours and about 12 months after heart surgery. It was a lovely march morning and started about 6am and I did not even take fluids but had money and shops on the way if I needed them. I felt great when I finished and such a high for the rest of the day.

 

Post a good run generally makes me feel like I am OK, It is good for mental health too. I never have have music, podcasts or anything in my ear as a lot of my distance runs are on single track roads and I generally like to be aware of all around me even though sometimes I might get in the zone :-)

Edited April 24, 2024 by Davit2005

[Patrick]

I did a half marathon the other day, sometimes I just set off running and if I feel good I just keep going. I live quite rural so ended up with a 1400ft incline over the 13/14 miles distance! I'm doing the Ullswater trail 10(miles) race in the summer, can't wait! Few of the lads are doing it together and were camping a few nights.

[HarryMonkey]

Same here, 2019 I did a 20mile run in 3hours and about 12 months

 

Blimey, that took a while

 

[Davit2005]

Blimey, that took a while

 

 

Made me Lol :-)

[Davit2005]

Strength training for the first time in 6 months yesterday, arms are aching already but not looking forward to tomorrows pain, lol.

[witch]

2 weeks into a 4 week challeng - weights, cardio, HIIT, core. Knackered

[3s-gtech]

Hill reps with a friend for the bank holiday, no usual Monday circuits so used the glorious weather.

 

~400m, varying incline, bloody hard! 4 of them was enough for me!

[pooley]

Meniscus tear seems to have derailed my running plans for the rest of the year, hoping S&C rehab will do the job as apposed to an op

[witch]

Finished the 4 week challenge. Ironically it was the last workout - flexibility and core that did a number on my neck and now turning my head is painful!

 

oh well - on we go. What shall I do next?